McCrory, security detail in accident after Super Bowl

Former secretary of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Kieran Shanahan, left and NC Governor Pat McCrory, right, dab as NC Sen. Thom Tillis, background looks on in Super Bowl City in San Francisco, CA. on Saturday, February 6, 2016. Jeff Sinerjsiner@charlotteobserver.com

Former secretary of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Kieran Shanahan, left and NC Governor Pat McCrory, right, dab as NC Sen. Thom Tillis, background looks on in Super Bowl City in San Francisco, CA. on Saturday, February 6, 2016. Jeff Sinerjsiner@charlotteobserver.com

SANTA CLARA, Calif.

Gov. Pat McCrory and two members of his security detail who accompanied him to Super Bowl 50 were involved in a minor traffic accident soon after leaving the game Sunday night.

They were passengers in a sedan owned by the California Highway Patrol, driven by one of that agency’s officers.

The governor complained of minor pain after the accident but did not require treatment.

One of the North Carolina troopers was taken to a nearby hospital with cuts to the back of his head and his tongue, according to the California Highway Patrol. The other trooper complained of neck and back pain but was not treated.

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The accident happened about 8 p.m. Pacific time after the governor and his security detail left the game, which drew a contingent of North Carolina politicians and other prominent Carolina Panthers fans.

The CHP’s Ford Crown Victoria was traveling on a highway in nearby San Jose when it was rear-ended by a Mercedes sedan. A third car also was involved in the collision, the CHP reported.

At the time of the crash, McCrory was on his cell phone talking to his campaign strategist, Chris LaCivita. The men were lamenting the outcome of the game, which the Panthers lost 24-10 to the Denver Broncos, when the governor’s car was rear-ended, LaCivita tweeted.

“His first words were ‘I’m OK, are you? Check on him,’” LaCivita said.

McCrory was able to continue to his destination after the accident report was taken. His office emailed a news release about the incident early Monday.

“We were very fortunate, and while I am still proud of the Carolina Panthers, this puts the game in proper perspective,” McCrory said in the release. “I want to thank the California Highway Patrol and EMS for their professionalism and quick action.”

McCrory returned to North Carolina on Monday afternoon, a spokesman said.